Russell Sanchez #80101

This is an extraordinary piece of art. Every detail of the turtle’s body has been examined and created. Russell thinks this is one of the very most difficult shapes and forms that he has ever made. In fact, he was working on this one for over three years. Since this is all ONE PIECE (except for the extraordinary lid) and the clay shrinks at a different rate, there is often breakage and cracking. This happened several times in the creation of this piece. Russell made four attempts at this creation, and this is the one that survived. He has incised a classic and elegant red polished avanyu (water serpent). The highest grade Kingman turquoise is used for the eye. That same red tone is polished to a high sheen on the coiled bear lid. If you look closely at his lid, you will see a circle of incised dots, and below them, he has embedded Kingman turquoise dots to repeat that pattern. Nineteen stones! The bear has his head gracefully turned to one side. Of important note is the black mica head. That same theme is complimented by incised black mica bear paws on each foot. Every aspect of this creation is so carefully planned. There are three strands of Heishi on the body of the turtle and one additional strand on the bear lid. It is thoroughly magnificent. The turtle is so life like and realistic. The bear is thought to represent strength, and the turtle often symbolizes healing. Together, they embody such beauty and significance. What a great new creation from Russell.

Russell Sanchez

San Ildefonso

Russell Sanchez was born at the San Ildefonso Pueblo. He has continued to live there all his life. Russell started making pottery at a very young age. If you could see his pots from when he was thirteen or so – you would be able to tell that a great talent was emerging! Russell was greatly influenced by his aunt, Rose Gonzales, and was futher encouraged by Dora Tse Pe. Like Russell, Dora is also a perfectionist. But Russell is really a self-taught potter. His incising, carving, and polishing techniques are all his own – developed and evolving over many years of hard work.

His work is widely accepted by serious collectors of some of the finest Native American pottery made today. He often introduces different materials into the clay while styaing within the traditional construction and firing techniques of pueblo pottery. Russell has won numerous awards and honors in juried shows every year since 1978. He has works in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institute, the Millicent Rogers Museum, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (Santa Fe) and the Museum of Natural History (Los Angeles). It is an honor to work closely with Russell, and represent him in our gallery.

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